Evotec appoints Joanna Holbrook chief scientific officer
Dr. Holbrook brings more than 25 years of scientific and R&D leadership experience spanning drug discovery, data science and therapeutic research.
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Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Evotec SE appointed Dr. Joanna Holbrook as Chief Scientific Officer and a Member of the Management Board, effective November 1, 2026. Most recently, she served as Therapy Area Head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Hepatic Disease and Head of in vitro Discovery Platforms at Novo Nordisk. Her previous roles include Chief Scientific Officer at Biomodal, Vice President, Translational Medicine at BenevolentAI, Professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Southampton, and Senior Principal Investigator at the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences. She also served as an adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore.
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multi-modal ‘omics technical
precision medicine medical
iPSC-based disease modeling medical
unpartnered R&D expenses financial
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of October, 2026
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-34041
Evotec SE
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
Essener Bogen 7
22419 Hamburg
Germany
Tel: +49 40 560810
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F: Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨
On October 15, 2026, Evotec SE (the “Company”) submitted a press release announcing new Chief Scientific Officer attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. The Company also issued a voting rights notification, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit | Description of Exhibit | |
| 99.1 | Evotec Appoints Dr. Joanna Holbrook as Chief Scientific Officer and Member of the Management Board | |
| 99.2 | Notification of Major Holdings |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Evotec SE | |||
| By: | /s/ Christian Wojczewski | ||
| Name: | Christian Wojczewski | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: October 15, 2026
Exhibit 99.1
Evotec Appoints Dr. Joanna Holbrook as Chief Scientific Officer and Member of the Management Board
| · | Will lead Evotec’s global scientific strategy and drive differentiation across its discovery and development services, technology platforms and proprietary innovation |
| · | Brings more than 25 years of global experience in pharma, biotechnology and academia |
Hamburg, Germany, October 15, 2026 – Evotec SE (NASDAQ: EVO; Frankfurt Prime Standard: EVT) today announced the appointment of Dr. Joanna Holbrook as Chief Scientific Officer and Member of the Management Board, effective November 1, 2026. Dr. Holbrook brings to Evotec more than 25 years of experience as both a scientist and R&D leader, applying novel technologies and data approaches to the challenges of drug discovery and advancing programs toward the clinic. Her experience spans multi-modal ‘omics, data science, novel therapeutic modalities and precision medicine, complemented by experience in commercializing innovative technologies, shaping drug discovery partnerships and leading therapeutic research portfolios. At Evotec, Dr. Holbrook will draw on recent scientific advances to help customers and partners discover and develop new medicines faster and with a higher probability of success.
Dr. Christian Wojczewski, Chief Executive Officer of Evotec, said:
“Joanna has a keen understanding of how data, AI and new technologies are transforming drug discovery and development today. She combines this forward-looking perspective with deep scientific expertise and a strong focus on generating robust, actionable results. I look forward to working with her as we continue to strengthen Evotec’s position as a leading partner for any organization that strives to bring new, groundbreaking medicines to market.”
Dr. Holbrook most recently served as Therapy Area Head, Cardiovascular, Renal and Hepatic Disease and Head of in vitro Discovery Platforms at Novo Nordisk. Prior to that she held positions at UK biotech companies Biomodal, where she served as Chief Scientific Officer, and BenevolentAI, where she was Vice President, Translational Medicine. She was also Professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Southampton and Senior Principal Investigator at the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (A*STAR) and adjunct Professor at National University of Singapore. She started her career at GSK, where she held positions of increasing responsibility across therapy areas and bioinformatics. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology from University College London and a B.Sc. in Genetics from the University of Newcastle.
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Dr. Joanna Holbrook, Evotec’s incoming Chief Scientific Officer, added:
“Evotec has exceptional breadth of scientific expertise and capabilities spanning drug discovery, drug development and manufacturing. I am excited by the opportunity to work across the business to strengthen our scientific differentiation, build integrated solutions to the most important challenges in drug discovery, and develop new capabilities that are unique to Evotec.”
About Evotec SE
Evotec is a life science company that is pioneering the future of drug discovery and development. By integrating breakthrough science with AI-driven innovation and advanced technologies, we accelerate the journey from concept to cure — faster, smarter, and with greater precision. Our expertise spans small molecules, biologics, cell therapies and associated modalities, supported by proprietary platforms such as Molecular Patient Databases, PanOmics and iPSC-based disease modeling. With flexible partnering models tailored to our customers’ needs, we work with all Top 20 Pharma companies, over 800 biotechs, academic institutions, and healthcare stakeholders. Our offerings range from standalone services to fully integrated R&D programs and long-term strategic partnerships, combining scientific excellence with operational agility. Through Just – Evotec Biologics, we redefine biologics development and manufacturing to improve accessibility and affordability. With a strong portfolio of over 100 proprietary R&D assets, most of them being co-owned, we focus on key therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurology, and immunology. Evotec’s global team of around 4,500 experts operates from sites in Europe and the U.S., offering complementary technologies and services as synergistic centers of excellence. Learn more at www.evotec.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X/Twitter @Evotec.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning future events, including the proposed offering and listing of Evotec’s securities. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “should,” “target,” “would” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include comments regarding Evotec’s expectations for revenues, Group EBITDA and unpartnered R&D expenses. These forward-looking statements are based on the information available to, and the expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by Evotec at the time these statements were made. No assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Evotec. Evotec expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Evotec’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Investor Relations and Media Contact
Dr. Sarah Fakih
EVP Head of Global Communications & Investor Relations
Sarah.Fakih@evotec.com
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Exhibit 99.2
| Notification of Major Holdings Page 1 | 3 Hamburg, Germany 22419 Manfred Eigen Campus / Essener Bogen 7 529900F9KI6OYITO9B12 Evotec SE X Notification of Major Holdings or Correction of a notification of Major Holdings dated 1. Details of issuer (name, address) Name Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) Street, Street number Postal code City 2. Reason for notification (multiple reasons possible) X Acquisition/disposal of shares with voting rights Acquisition/disposal of instruments Change of breakdown of voting rights Other reason 3. Details of person subject to the notification obligation Natural person First name Surname Date of birth Legal entity Name including legal form (entity) City of registered office Country Government of Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates (the) 4. Name(s) of shareholder(s) holding directly 3% or more voting rights, if different from 3. Name n/a 5. Date on which threshold was crossed or reached 09/10/2026 |
| Page 2 | 3 6. Total positions % of voting rights attached to shares (total of 7.a.) % of voting rights through instruments (total of 7.b.1. + 7.b.2.) Total of both in % (7.a. + 7.b.) Total number of voting rights pursuant to Sec. 41 WpHG New 0,00 % 0,00 % 0,00 % 177.909.968 Previous notification (if applicable) 5,62 % 0,00 % 5,62 % - 7. Details on total positions a. Voting rights attached to shares (Sec. 33, 34 WpHG) ISIN Absolute In % Direct (Sec. 33 WpHG) Indirect (Sec. 34 WpHG) Direct (Sec. 33 WpHG) Indirect (Sec. 34 WpHG) DE0005664809 0 0 0,00 % 0,00 % Total 0 0,00 % b.1. Instruments according to Sec. 38 (1) no. 1 WpHG Type of instrument Expiration or maturity date Excercise or conversion period Voting rights absolute Voting rights in % 0 0,00 % Voting rights absolute Voting rights in % Total 0 0,00 % |
| Page 3 | 3 b.2. Instruments according to Sec. 38 (1) no. 2 WpHG Type of instrument Expiration or maturity date Excercise or conversion period Cash or physical settlement Voting rights absolute Voting rights in % 0 0,00 % Voting rights absolute Voting rights in % Total 0 0,00 % 8. Information in relation to the person subject of the notification obligation (please tick the applicable box) X Person subject to the notification obligation (3.) is not controlled nor does it control any other undertaking(s) holding directly or indirectly an interest in the (underlying) issuer (1.). Full chain of controlled undertakings starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entity: Name % of voting rights (if at least held 3% or more) % of voting rights through instruments (if at least held 5% or more) Total of both (if at least held 5% or more) 9. In case of proxy voting according to Sec. 34 (3) WpHG (only in case of attribution of voting rights pursuant to Sec. 34 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 WpHG) Date of general meeting Total positions (6.) after general meeting % of voting rights attached to shares % of voting rights through instruments Total of both 10. Other useful information The stake was held indirectly by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (“MIC”), which is wholly owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi. Investment decisions of MIC are taken independently of the Government of Abu Dhabi by MIC's board of directors. This notification is made by MIC for itself and, solely to comply with the provisions of the WpHG, on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi. Date, Signature 14/10/2026 Dominik Heß |
